Document type : Article published on WATTPoultry.com
Author: Terrence O'Keefe
Preview: Some European broiler producers are implementing changes in stocking density, lighting programs, breed selection and adding enrichments in the broiler house.
So-called "higher-welfare" broiler rearing programs are a trend that is increasing in Northern Europe, according to Ingrid de Jong, PhD, senior scientific researcher, Wageningen University & Research. She and Jerine van der Eijk, PhD, researcher, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, gave a presentation, titled "Characteristics of welfare-friendly broiler chicken production," at 2021 Eurotier Digital on February 11, 2021.
There is a trend towards what de Jong called "middle-segment" welfare systems, those that have standards somewhere in between conventional and organic broiler growing programs. Current purchase commitments and future purchase commitments by large foodservice and food manufacturing companies to "enhance welfare" production schemes, like the Better Chicken Commitment, are driving the interest in methods for improving broiler welfare. […]
Even in existing houses, welfare can be significantly increased by using slower-growing strains, reducing stocking density and providing environmental enrichments, according to de Jong. […]
Jerine van der Eijk, PhD, researcher, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, provided an updated definition of what environmental enrichments are.
Definition of environmental enrichment 2.0:
- Environmental enrichment should increase species-specific behavior
- It should maintain or improve levels of health
- It should improve the economics of the production system
- It should be practical to employ
- Environmental enrichment should be biologically relevant
- Economics and practical issues should not be the first consideration
